GREENVILLE, S.C. - Fresh off the success of planting 10,000 trees in Greenville in just five years, TreesGreenville is teaming up with Duke Energy to provide free trees to Greenville neighborhoods as part of the Energy Saving Trees program.

A grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will allow TreesGreenville to give away 750 trees to Greenville County residents through Energy Saving Trees, an Arbor Day Foundation program that helps conserve energy and reduce energy bills through strategic tree planting. The announcement was made Friday, Dec. 2 during an Arbor Day celebration event held by TreesGreenville.

'At Duke Energy, we are dedicated to being good stewards of the environment,' said Linda Hannon, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy. 'That's why it is a priority for us to support local groups like TreesGreenville that help protect and restore natural resources in the communities we serve. Partnering on the Energy Saving Trees initiative is a perfect fit for us.'

With this funding, TreesGreenville will be able to further educate people about the energy-saving benefits of trees and will put 750 new trees in front yards and green spaces throughout Greenwood County. These trees will have a direct impact on energy conservation and air quality.

'Strategically planting trees to create shade improves air quality, improves energy conservation, and improves the quality of life in our communities,' said Joelle Teachey, executive director of TreesGreenville. 'We are so excited to partner with Duke Energy for this valuable program.'

Residents will pre-register and reserve their free trees at www.treesgreenville.org/giveaway.

An online tool will help residents estimate the annual energy savings that will result from planting trees in the most ideal location.

The first of several giveaway events will be on Jan. 27, 2017, at Lake Conestee Nature Park. Reservations are required.

About TreesGreenville

TreesGreenville is a countywide 501c3 nonprofit organization. Their mission is to plant, promote, and protect trees. Since 2005, they have planted more than 4,700 trees in parks, schools, and neighborhoods throughout Greenville County.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. In 2015, the foundation provided more than $30 million in charitable gifts. The foundation's education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Media Contacts:

Joelle Teachey, TreesGreenville, 864.313.0765, jteachey@treesgreenville.org

Ryan Mosier, Duke Energy, 864.370.5036, Ryan.Mosier@duke-energy.com

Duke Energy Corporation published this content on 02 December 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 02 December 2016 19:18:05 UTC.

Original documenthttps://news.duke-energy.com/releases/releases-20161202

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